In my last post I described how Susan and I are establishing our branding through networking within the community. The idea is to network with a variety of groups, organizations, firms, non profits, and charities in an effort to support our community and raise awareness of our products and services.

I identified what networking is and the best method to networking success: giving value. The following are 5 tips to help you identify what you have to offer that others would find valuable.

5 Tips to Finding Your Value “Give”

1. Make a list of your accomplishments: Don’t be shy in this exercise. Give a full list with details.
2. Make a list of your contacts of influence: Prioritize this list by who you know best and who knows you.
3. List your skill sets: Again do not be shy. Provide everything that is important to building your career.
4. From the first three lists: Analyze and choose what you believe to be the most valuable things you can give to your potential networking partners.
5. Create a plan on how to deliver: Will you utilize a blog or begin a public speaking platform to help benefit your potential networking partners? Identify all of the channels in which you can deliver your value.

Susan and I are expanding our product and services offering in the coming months with a strategy that many businesses and individuals utilize today: branding “You.” Currently we offer Susan’s book, her workshops on change, transition, and success, and we offer her audio products and coaching services.

The next phase is the establishment of my workshop and service offerings that provide an outline and plan for anyone to begin to “brand” themselves, introduce themselves to the business community, and start establishing name recognition. This branding strategy is based on my blog writing platform, workshop facilitation, and networking experience online and in the “real world.” The key beginning component to branding “You” is to build your network of business relationships.

What is Networking?

Networking is the art of engaging an individual, connecting, and ultimately establishing a mutually beneficial business relationship. Networking is not a hard sell sales pitch, endless elevator pitch, or quick business card exchange.

Networking is a skill set and no longer an optional obscure after thought performed on a part time basis to decidedly mixed results. It is the lifeblood of your business and your ability to successfully build “You” as a brand.

Networking is giving something that others value, giving it often on a continuous basis, and giving this value without asking for anything in return.

The goal of engaging, connecting and establishing a business relationship that lasts is to ensure that you help your networking partners benefit from your relationships first. Help these new friends understand your value and they will be motivated to bring value to you and your business.

Q: What one thing can you do to enjoy success in all aspects of your life?

A: Hold yourself personally responsible for your success.

Personal responsibility is one debilitating obstacle that gets in the way for many of us. We recognize that unwanted pounds don’t melt away on their own, the love of our life isn’t delivered to our front door and our dream career doesn’t materialize overnight. Yet while we act responsibly to promote our employer’s success and our family’s well being, we often don’t maintain the same standards in pushing forth our own desires and dreams.

Consider these reasons to hold yourself responsible for your success:

· Control: You shift from a mindset of “I want greater success” to “My actions will create more success.”

· Opportunities: You recognize that it is your role to initiate your opportunities. You are not passively waiting for opportunities or good luck to land in your lap.

· Accountability: You see that the only thing standing in your way of creating success is yourself. You recognize that external challenges can be overcome with your focus and dedication to doing what it takes.

Steps to take this week to take responsibility for your success:

1. Consider your desires and dreams at the same priority level as your family responsibilities and job. Just like you wouldn’t ignore requests from your boss or fail to provide your child with health or school needs, don’t allow yourself to slack off on the steps you need to take to create your success.

2. Schedule time for the building of your success. You are in control of how you spend your time; don’t let it be your excuse. Put your necessary steps on your calendar and commit to them. Think of time as being the most important asset you have and invest it wisely. Always ask yourself if what you are doing is leading you to where you want to go.

www.innerarchitect.com